Caretaker - Orchard Manor School (Special Partnership Trust)
- Teignbridge, Devon
- Part Time
- £25,208 FTE
Start Date: As soon as possible
Welcome to Orchard Manor School
Orchard Manor School is a vibrant, values-driven specialist community where every child is known, respected and supported to belong. Rooted in strong relationships and a deep commitment to respect, kindness and wellbeing, our school is a place where pupils and staff thrive together. We pride ourselves on our collaborative, reflective culture, where learning is meaningful, personalised and ambitious, and where staff are well supported to continually develop their expertise. Set within beautiful woodland grounds in the seaside town of Dawlish, Orchard Manor offers a unique environment where education extends beyond the classroom, preparing young people for confident, independent lives within their communities
Why Join Orchard Manor School?
- A supportive, collaborative and highly skilled staff team
- A strong focus on staff wellbeing and professional development
- The opportunity to play a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming and inspiring environment for our pupils
- A values-driven culture where respect, kindness and teamwork are prioritised
- Access to a wide range of Trust benefits and professional learning opportunities
- A unique working environment with extensive grounds and outdoor spaces
- The opportunity to be part of the largest SEND Trust in Cornwall and Devon
The Opportunity
We are seeking a reliable, practical and proactive Caretaker to join our premises team and help maintain our school site to the highest standards.
This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You will play a key part in ensuring our buildings, grounds and facilities remain safe, secure and well maintained, creating an environment where pupils, staff and visitors can thrive.
Working closely with the Premises Team, you will undertake a wide range of maintenance, grounds and site duties, supporting the smooth day-to-day operation of the school and helping to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our whole school community
About the Role
- As Caretaker, you will be involved in all aspects of site management and maintenance, helping to ensure that our buildings and grounds are safe, secure, clean and well presented. You will carry out routine maintenance and minor repairs, support health and safety compliance, assist with site inspections and maintain appropriate records.
- The role includes opening and securing the site, supporting key-holder responsibilities, monitoring access control arrangements and assisting with emergency procedures. You will work alongside colleagues and contractors, report defects, participate in fire and evacuation procedures and support the upkeep of security systems across the school.
- You will also contribute to the maintenance of the school grounds, heating systems, fleet vehicles and swimming pool, assist with deliveries and porterage, undertake gardening duties and help ensure the site remains safe and accessible throughout the year, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
- This role provides an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys practical problem-solving, takes pride in maintaining high standards and values being part of a team that makes a real difference to children's daily experience of school.
About You
We are looking for someone who is practical, organised and self-motivated, with experience of building and grounds maintenance and a proactive approach to solving problems. You will be comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively and will take pride in maintaining a safe, welcoming and well-presented environment.
You will have good general maintenance skills, confidence using IT systems and strong communication skills. You will be able to manage a varied workload, prioritise tasks effectively and respond positively to the changing needs of a busy school environment.
Experience within a school environment would be beneficial, although we welcome applications from candidates with relevant maintenance, facilities, estates or trade experience from other sectors. A full driving licence is essential.
Most importantly, you will share our commitment to supporting children and young people and understand the important role that a safe, secure and well-maintained environment plays in helping them to thrive.
What You'll Bring
- Experience of building and grounds maintenance
- Good practical maintenance and repair skills
- A proactive and self-motivated approach
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Confidence using Microsoft Office and IT systems
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- A commitment to health and safety
- A full driving licence
- A commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of our safeguarding policy can be found here: Safeguarding Policy Webpage. This role falls under KCSIE regulated activities and as such it is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.
Find Out More / Visit Us
We warmly encourage informal visits so you can experience our school community and values in action. If you would like to get a feel of our school do have a look at our social media pages too - we are on Facebook, Instagram and X. Our website is www.orchardmanor.devon.sch.uk
- Email: HROMS@orchard-manor.org
- Telephone: 01626 862363
How to apply
Please complete your application on My New Term mynewterm.com. Applicants are advised that submitting an incorrect or insufficiently completed application form will result in non-selection for interview.
Particular attention should be made to career history since secondary education and referees meeting the required criteria.
Closing Date: 4:00pm, 28th October 2026.
Interview Date: Friday 6th November 2026.
Job Details
- OrganisationOther Organisations
- Work LocationTeignbridgeDevon
- Work Postcode
EX7 9SF
- Reference
AC7062
- Occupational GroupManual (Caretaking/Cleaning/Driving/Catering/
- Salary Details
£25,208 FTE
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypePart Time
- Hours
20 hours per week, 52 weeks per annum
- Closing Date
28/10/2026
- DBS Check Required
Yes